. >> the american people reelected president obama on election day. they also reelected a republican majority here in the house. in doing so they gave us all a mandate. it was not a mandate to raise taxes on families and small businesses. it was a mandate to work together to begin solving the massive debt that threatens our country's future. >> reporter: the house and the senate will both be back in session tomorrow and the president has said he expects them to quickly vote to pass legislation to avoid the fiscal cliff, if, he and the speaker are able to make a deal before it's too late. gregg: we'll be holding our breath. peter doocy, thanks. >> reporter: yeah. patti ann: the commander-in-chief also spent part of his holiday thanking the troops on a visit to a hawaiian military base. the president and first lady paying tribute to those here and abroad who risk their lives keeping us safe. he took time to honor their families as well. >> so many of you make sacrifices day in, day out on behalf of our freedom, on behalf of our security, and not only do